Ciclesonide for the treatment of airway disease in horses

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the field of medicine, in particular to the field of veterinary medicine. The invention relates to glucocorticoids, especially ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, for the treatment of airway disease in horses, such as pulmonary disease, preferably recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), and inflammatory airway disease (IAD).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of medicine, in particular to the field of veterinary medicine. The invention relates to glucocorticoids or inhaled glucocorticoids, especially ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, for the treatment of airway disease in horses, such as pulmonary disease, preferably recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), and inflammatory airway disease (IAD).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Equine airway disease is a prominent disease in many horses. It can be divided into the diseases of the upper and lower airways. There are a number of equine lower airway diseases with noninfectious origin such as RAO (or heaves or equine chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), IAD, SPAOPD and exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). The latter is typically diagnosed in racehorses. RAO, IAD and SPAOPD are discs eases with an allergic background. Rarely diagnosed additional lower airway disorders are granulomatous, neoplastic and interstitial pneumonias. The infectious diseases of the lower airway include bronchitis, pneumonia, pleuritis or a combination of these caused by viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic agents (Kutasi et al., 2011).

Common phenotypic manifestations of airway disease in horses include coughing, nasal discharge, increased respiratory effort and poor performance or exercise intolerance. Additionally, fever, depression, decreased appetite and weight loss can be observed in infectious airway diseases (Couetil et al., 2007 and Kutasi et al., 2011).

Equine airway diseases with an allergic background cannot be cured but only kept asymptomatic. The known therapies for these horses include changes in the environment and the administration of different drugs. The aim of the change in the stable environment is to improve airway quality and to reduce the allergen exposure of the horses, which might trigger the exacerbations of RAO, SPAOPD and IAD. The following drugs are used for the treatment of airway diseases with noninfectious origin: glucocorticoids, bronchodilators (β2 agonists and anticholinergic agents), and mucosolvants (dembrexin and acetylcystein). In addition, antibiotics are administered for infectious airway diseases. Prominent side effects of these standard therapies are tachycardia, mydriasis, and colic for bronchodilators and adrenocortical suppression (reduction in the blood serum levels of cortisol), laminitis, hepatopathy, muscle wasting, altered bone metabolism, increased susceptibility to infection (neutrophilia, lymphopenia) and decreased antibody response to vaccination for glucocorticoids (Couetil et al., 2007, Dauvillir et al., 2011).

The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a medication for horses which allows the treatment of airway disease in horses while reducing the risk of side effects for the treated animals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been surprisingly found that ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is particularly advantageous for the use in a method of treating an airway discs ease in equines, preferably horses. An advantage of the present invention is the absence or reduction of side effects. The administration of glucocorticoids can decrease the production of cortisol by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Thus, measurement of serum cortisol level is generally used as surrogate marker of glucocorticoid systemic activity and a tool for assessing systemic bioavailabilty of glucosorticoids. Such a reduction of equine serum cortisol levels occurs in state of the art treatment options including drug administration via a peroral or parenteral (e.g. dexamethasone, prednisone) as well as via an inhalative (beclomethasone, fluticasone proprionate and budesonide) route. In contrast, no decrease in the serum cortisol level of horses is observed after treatment for two weeks with different dose levels of ciclesonide (see Examples 2-3).

In addition, the treatment option provided by the present invention minimizes the risks associated with complications caused by altered metabolism or compromised immune system, etc. (see background information). Neutrophilia and lymphopenia is commonly observed after the state of the art treatment with dexamethasone (see example 4, Table 2). This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. In contrast, no alteration is observed in the immune system of horses measured by neutrophilia and lymphopenia after treatment for two weeks with different dose levels of ciclesonide (see example 4, Table 2).

Another advantage of the present invention is treatment convenience. The state of the art treatment with dexamethasone does not allow the administration of constantly high dose levels for a longer time period due to the risk of developing side effects. Therefore, the dose of dexamethasone has to be continuously adjusted after treatment initiation considering a number of factors (e.g. route of drug administration, medical history, clinical condition and body weight of the horse) with the aim to prevent or minimize side effects while administering a high enough dose for assuring clinical efficacy. In contrast, the present invention provides a superior treatment option for horses with a lower risk for developing side effects. Thus, it does allow for a treatment over long periods of time at constantly high dose levels with assuring the required clinical efficacy, which is comparable to dexamethasone.

Furthermore, the safety profile of ciclesonide is also more advantageous compared to other aerosol glucocorticoids like fluticasone. There are conflicting reports about the effect of fluticasone on cortisol levels. In some studies fluticasone shows significant suppression in measured cortisol levels in both humans and horses after aerosol administration (Robinson et al., 2009 and Grahnén et al., 1997). In contrast, there is no or clinically not relevant cortisol suppression with ciclesonide in humans or in horses after aerosol inhalation.

An additional advantage of the present invention is the prodrug nature of ciclesonide. It has been shown that the active metabolite, C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide, is generated in the airways of humans or other mammals. The prodrug ciclesonide has to be activated by special enzymes in the airway tissues in order to generate C21-21-desisobutyrylciclesonide, which is the effective molecule. The existence of such special enzymes in the equine airway tissues has not been previously reported. Other substances like fluticasone, which is not a prodrug, do not need enzymatic conversion to be able to be active in the lungs of horses or other mammals. The present invention surprisingly demonstrates for the first time that ciclesonide can be converted into the effective molecule C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide in horses (please see example 5) and that ciclesonide administration thus results in a beneficial therapeutic effect in horses with airway disease.

Furthermore, ciclesonide undergoes reversible fatty acid esterifications with fatty acids in human lung tissue. The fatty acid conjugates may serve as a depot. It has not been previously reported whether the same esterification process occurs in equine lung tissues as well or not. Other substances like fluticasone do not generate fatty acid conjugates in human lung tissues at all.

Therefore, even if large amounts of ciclesonide are swallowed during aerosol treatment the prodrug nature of ciclesonide, the dependency of C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide generation on specific enzyme conversion and a quick liver metabolism of C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide assures that the effect of ciclesonide is only related to the airways and not to the whole body of the horses. This is also referred to as topic effect of ciclesonide. In contrast, the state of the art treatment with dexamethasone or other substances like fluticasone leads to a systemic exposure of the active metabolite, leading to an extensive side effect profile (see background information).

The present invention concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament for treating an equine, preferably a horse. The present invention concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of treating an equine, preferably a horse.

The present invention concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method of treating an airway disease in equines, preferably horses. The present invention concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method of treating (an) airway disease(s) in (an) equine(s), preferably in (a) horse(s).

According to a specific aspect of the present invention said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is inhalable/(in the form of) an inhalant. In another aspect of the present invention the ciclesonide or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or the composition comprising ciclesonide or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in a liquid formulation, preferably an ethanolic formulation, which can be aerosolized to facilitate its inhalation. In a further aspect of the present invention the liquid formulation is partially ethanolic and partially aqueous. In a further aspect of the present invention the liquid formulation comprises one or more of the solvents: water, ethanol, hydrofluoroalkane(s) such as HFA 227 and HFA 134a, hydrofluoroolefin(s) such as HFO-1234ze, and optionally additional excipients. HFA is an abbreviation for hydrofluoroalkane and HFO is an abbreviation for hydrofluoroolefin.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention the solvent of the liquid formulation comprises/consists of a mixture of ≧85% V/V ethanol and ≦15% V/V water, such as for example 10% V/V aqueous and 90% V/V ethanol. In another preferred aspect of the present invention the solvent of the liquid formulation comprises a mixture of ethanol and water, whereby the proportion of ethanol is in the range of 85-100% V/V, preferably 90-95% V/V. Preferably the proportion of ethanol is 90% V/V ethanol. In a specific aspect of the present invention the formulation (inhalation solution) of ciclesonide is as follows:

Ingredient Content Ciclesonide 0.7-3.1 g/100 mL Hydrochloric acid ad [H⁺] = 10^(−3.5) to 10⁻⁵ mol/L 90% V/V ethanol/water ad 100 mL where the concentration of hydrogen ions [H⁺] can be measured, for example, by potentiometric titration.

A further aspect of the present invention is the application of the liquid formulation using an inhalation device, such as the RESPIMAT® inhaler or another inhalation device using the RESPIMAT® aerosol-generating technology. The RESPIMAT® inhaler is disclosed for example in WO 97/12687, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This inhaler can advantageously be used to produce the inhalable aerosols/inhalants according to the invention. The dose of active substance delivered ex RESPIMAT® inhaler can be calculated from:

-   -   the concentration of active substance in the liquid formulation         (inhalation solution) [μg/μ],     -   the “delivered volume”, defined as the volume of liquid expelled         from the RESPIMAT® inhaler per actuation [μL]. The delivered         volume ex RESPIMAT® inhaler has been found to be approximately         11 μL per actuation,         according to the following formula:

Dose[μg]=Concentration[μg/μL]·Delivered Volume[μL]

The invention further concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use (in a method) for the management/treatment of airway disease in equines, preferably horses. Preferably the airway disease is a pulmonary disease. The invention further concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use (in a method) for the management/treatment of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in equines, preferably horses. The invention further concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use (in a method) for the management/treatment of summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) in equines, preferably horses. The invention further concerns ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use (in a method) for the management/treatment of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in equines, preferably horses.

The invention further concerns a method of treating an airway disease comprising administering a therapeutic effective amount of ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an equine patient, preferably a horse, in need thereof. Preferably the airway disease is a pulmonary disease. In a specific aspect of said method of treatment of the present invention ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered as an inhalable/inhalant. In a further specific aspect of the method of treatment of the present invention ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in a liquid formulation, preferably with a solvent comprising/consisting of ethanol, water or a combination thereof. In another aspect of the method of treatment of the present invention ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered via an (equine) inhalation device. In a preferred aspect of the method of treatment of the present invention ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in a liquid formulation with a solvent comprising/consisting of a mixture of ethanol and water which is administered via an (equine) inhalation device.

In a specific aspect of the present invention (ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method for treating an airways disease and/or a method of treatment with ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) the airway disease is a pulmonary disease. In another aspect of the present invention the airway disease is selected from the group consisting of: recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), and inflammatory airway disease (IAD). In a preferred aspect of the present invention the airway disease is recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).

In another specific aspect of the present invention ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered via an (equine) inhaler device. Preferably said inhaler device comprises: (a) a pressurized metered dose inhaler or an aqueous/ethanolic droplet inhaler such as the RESPIMAT® inhaler or another inhalation device using the RESPIMAT® aerosol-generating technology and (b) an adapter for equine use. In yet another specific aspect of the present invention ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a partially ethanolic formulation and is administered via an (equine) inhaler device.

In a further aspect of the present invention (ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method for treating an airways disease and/or a method of treatment with ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a dose of at least 900 μg ex inhaler, at least 1800 μg ex inhaler, or at least 2700 μg ex inhaler, preferably at least 2400 μg ex inhaler or at least 2700 μg ex inhaler. In yet another aspect of the present invention said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a dose of 100 μg to 5000 μg ex inhaler, 450 μg to 2700 μg ex inhaler, 900 μg to 2400 μg ex inhaler, 900 μg to 2700 μg ex inhaler, preferably at a dose of 900 μg to 2700 μg ex inhaler. In another specific aspect of the present invention those doses are administered twice daily for 5-7 days followed by once daily for 5-7 days. Preferably, ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a dose of 2700 μg twice daily for 5-7 days followed by a dose of 3712.5 μg once daily for 5-7 days. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention ex inhaler is ex RESPIMAT® inhaler.

In another aspect of the present invention (ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method for treating an airways disease and/or a method of treatment with ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt this administered with 20 or fewer actuations per dose, preferably 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 actuations, most preferably it is administered using 8 or fewer actuations per dose.

In a specific aspect of the present invention the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for administration at a concentration of 0.7-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL or 1.0-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL inhalation solution. Preferably it is prepared for the administration with 20 or fewer actuations per dose, preferably 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 actuations per dose, most preferably the composition is prepared for the administration using 8 or fewer actuations per dose.

In a specific aspect of the present invention (ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method for treating an airways disease and/or a method of treatment with ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in 1 to 3 doses per day, preferably 1 or 2 doses are administered per day/once daily. In another specific aspect of the present invention said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered once daily. In a further specific aspect of the present invention said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in 1 to 4 doses per week (e.g. every 2. day, that is 3.5 doses per week).

In a specific aspect of the present invention the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is made/prepared with/for the administration of a concentration of 0.7-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL or 1.0-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL. Preferably it is prepared for the administration in 1 to 3 doses per day, preferably 1 or 2 doses per day. Preferably it is prepared for the administration of 1 to 2 doses once daily. In a further specific aspect of the present invention the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for the administration in 1 to 3 doses per week.

In yet another aspect of the present invention (ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the use in a method for treating an airways disease and/or a method of treatment with ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered over an extended time period of at least 1 week, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more. In a preferred aspect of the present invention said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in 1-2 doses daily over an extended time period. In a specific aspect said time period is at least 1 week, which can be extended to at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more. Preferably said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in 1 or 2 doses daily over an extended period, whereby said period is preferably at least 1 week, which can be extended to at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more.

In a specific aspect of the present invention the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for the administration at a concentration of 0.7-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL or 1.0-3.1 g ciclesonide/100 mL inhalation solution. Preferably the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for the administration over an extended time period of at least 1 week, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more. In a preferred aspect of the present invention the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for the administration in 1 or 2 doses daily over an extended time period of at least 1 week, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more, most preferably the composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is prepared for the administration in 1 dose daily over an extended period of at least 1 week, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or more.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Budesonide study: Temporal variations in transpulmonary press sure (ΔP_(L)) associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of budesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (450 μg (nozzle A): white bars, 900 μg (nozzle A): striped, 1800 μg (nozzle A): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8), where SEM is “Standard Error of the Mean”.

FIG. 2: Budesonide study: Temporal variations in breathing effort score associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of budesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (450 μg (nozzle A): white bars, 900 μg (nozzle A): striped, 1800 μg (nozzle A): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 3: Budesonide study: Temporal variations in serum cortisol associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of budesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (450 μg (nozzle A): white bars, 900 μg (nozzle A): striped 1800 μg (nozzle A): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 4: Ciclesonide 1^(st) study: Temporal variations in transpulmonary pressure (ΔP_(L)) associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (450 μg (nozzle A): white bars, 900 μg (nozzle A): striped, 1800 μg (nozzle A): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 5: Ciclesonide 1^(st) study: Temporal variations in serum cortisol associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (450 μg (nozzle A): white bars, 900 μg (nozzle A): striped, 1800 μg (nozzle A): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 6: Ciclesonide 2^(nd) study: A) Temporal variations in transpulmonary pressure (ΔP_(L)) associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (1687.5 μg (nozzle B): white bars, 2700 μg (nozzle A): striped, 2700 μg (nozzle B): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

B) Temporal variations in lung resistance (R_(L)) associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (1687.5 μg (nozzle B): white bars, 2700 μg (nozzle A): striped, 2700 μg (nozzle B): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 7: Ciclesonide 2^(nd) study: Temporal variations in weighted clinical score associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (1687.5 μg (nozzle B): white bars, 2700 μg (nozzle A): striped, 2700 μg (nozzle B): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 8: Ciclesonide 2^(nd) study: Temporal variations in serum cortisol associated with the administration of dexamethasone (black bars) and three different doses of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (1687.5 μg (nozzle B): white bars, 2700 μg (nozzle A): striped, 2700 μg (nozzle B): crossed) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=8)

FIG. 9: Ciclesonide 3^(rd) study: A) Temporal variations in transpulmonary pressure (ΔP_(L)) associated with the administration of placebo (white bars) and three different dose schedules of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (2700 μg, twice daily: light grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the morning (am): dark grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the evening (pm): black bars) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=7)

B) Temporal variations in lung resistance (R_(L)) associated with the administration of placebo (white bars) and three different dose schedules of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (2700 μg, twice daily: light grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the morning (am): dark grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the evening (pm): black bars) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=7)

FIG. 10: Ciclesonide 3^(rd) study: Temporal variations in weighted clinical score associated with the administration of placebo (white bars) and three different dose schedules of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (2700 μg, twice daily: light grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the morning (am): dark grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the evening (pm): black bars) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=7)

FIG. 11: Ciclesonide 3^(rd) study: Temporal variations in serum cortisol associated with the administration of placebo (white bars) and three different dose schedules of ciclesonide applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler (2700 μg, twice daily: light grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the morning (am): dark grey bars, 3712.5 μg in the evening (pm): black bars) between days 0 and 14 (mean±SEM) (n=7)

FIG. 12: Ciclesonide 4^(th) study: Frequency dependence of mean respiratory resistance (Rrs) associated with the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide twice daily applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler between days 0 and 14 (mean±SD) (n=1)

FIG. 13: Ciclesonide 4^(th) study: Frequency dependence of mean respiratory reactance (Xrs) associated with the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide twice daily applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler between days 0 and 14 (mean±SD) (n=1)

FIG. 14: Ciclesonide 4^(th) study: Frequency dependence of mean inspiratory and expiratory respiratory resistance (Rrs) associated with the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide twice daily applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler between days 0 and 14 (mean±SD) (n=1)

FIG. 15: Ciclesonide 4^(th) study: Frequency dependence of mean inspiratory and expiratory respiratory reactance (Xrs) associated with the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide twice daily applied with the RESPIMAT® inhaler between days 0 and 14 (mean±SD) (n=1)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Both budesonide and ciclesonide are investigated and compared to dexamethasone in the same moldy hay challenge model. Both drugs are administered by the RESPIMAT® inhaler with an adapter for use with horses (“Equine Inhaler device”) at different dose levels (see examples 1 to 3). Both molecules show a comparable efficacy to dexamethasone measured in lung function variables (transpulmonary pressure, lung resistance and lung elastance) and clinical score (breathing effort score and weighted clinical score) (see example 1 and 3). However, the blood levels of cortisol are different between budesonide and ciclesonide (see examples 1-3). The cortisol level is comparable between the highest dose of budesonide and dexamethasone after 14 days of treatment, showing a significant reduction in comparison to the baseline cortisol value (see example 1). In contrast, the cortisol level does not change significantly after the administration of the highest ciclesonide dose, whereas it is significantly reduced after the administration of dexamethasone compared to values prior to treatment (see example 3). In addition, complete blood count is investigated as well after 14 days treatment with dexamethasone and ciclesonide. Neutrophilia and lymphopenia are observed after the administration of dexamethasone in both studies (examples 2 and 3). In contrast, neutrophilia and lymphopenia are not observed after the administration of the different doses of ciclesonide.

Before describing the various aspects of the present invention it shall be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a preparation” includes a plurality of such preparations reference to the “carrier” is a reference to one or more carriers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All given ranges and values may vary by 1 to 5% unless indicated otherwise or known otherwise by the person skilled in the art, therefore, the term “about” was omitted from the description. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing the substances, excipients, carriers, and methodologies as reported in the publications which might be used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Terms not specifically defined herein should be given the meanings that would be given to them by one of skill in the art in light of the disclosure and the context. As used in the specification, however, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated and the following conventions are adhered to.

The term “ciclesonide” ((11β,16α)-16,17-[[(R)Cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)]-11-hydroxy-21-(2-methyl-1-oxopropoxy)pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, C₃₂H₄₄O₇, M_(r)=540.7 g/mol) is well known in the art and means/describes a glucocorticoid used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis in humans. It is marketed for application in humans under the brand name ALVESCO® for asthma and OMNARIS®/OMNAIR® for hay fever in the US and Canada. Ciclesonide is a prodrug. It is transformed into the active metabolite C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide (=desciclesonide) via hydrolysis by intracellular esterases in the lung. Ciclesonide is a non-halogenated glucocorticoid, which predominantly exists in its form as R-Enantiomer.

The term “budesonide” is well known in the art and means/describes a glucocorticoid steroid for the treatment of asthma and non-infectious rhinitis (including hay fever and other allergies), and for treatment and prevention of nasal polyposis in humans. In addition, it is used for Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease) in humans.

The term “dexamethasone” is well known in the art and means/describes a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an antiinflammatory and immunosuppressant. When taken orally, it is 27 times more potent than the naturally occurring hormone cortisol and 7 times more potent than prednisone.

As used herein the term “prodrug” refers to (i) an inactive form of a drug that exerts its effects after metabolic processes within the body converting it to a usable or active form, or (ii) a substance that gives rise to a pharmacologically active metabolite, although not itself active (i.e. an inactive precursor).

The terms “prodrug” or “prodrug derivative” mean a covalently-bonded derivative, carrier or precursor of the parent compound or active drug substance which undergoes at least some biotransformation prior to exhibiting its pharmacological effect(s). Such prodrugs either have metabolically cleavable or otherwise convertible groups and are rapidly transformed in vivo to yield the parent compound, for example, by hydrolysis in blood or by activation via oxidation as in case of thioether groups. Most common prodrugs include esters and amide analogs of the parent compounds. The prodrug is formulated with the objectives of improved chemical stability, improved patient acceptance and compliance, improved bioavailability, prolonged duration of action, improved organ selectivity, improved formulation (e.g., increased hydrosolubility), and/or decreased side effects (e.g., toxicity). In general, prodrugs themselves have weak or no biological activity and are stable under ordinary conditions. Prodrugs can usually be readily prepared from the parent compounds using methods known in the art.

The term “equine” means of or belonging to the family Equidae, which includes the horses, asses, and zebras, preferably horses. In addition, the term “equine” encompasses also hybrids of members of the family Equidae (e.g. mules, hinnies, etc.)

The term “patient” or “subject” embraces mammals such as primates includes ing humans. The term “patient” or “subject” as used herein relates specifically to horses, especially horses suffering from airway disease (particularly pulmonary disease), preferably from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) also called heaves or equine COPD and/or summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) also called Summer Pasture Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction (SPARAO) and/or inflammatory airway disease (IAD), most preferably from RAO.

The term “airway disease” in horses means the following: recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) also called heaves or equine COPD, Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), inflammatory airway disease (IAD), exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), infectious diseases, chronic interstitial lung disease and upper respiratory tract functional disorders.

The term “pulmonary disease” means: recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) also called heaves or equine COPD, Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), inflammatory airway disease (IAD), exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), infectious diseases, chronic interstitial lung disease.

The term “recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)” in horses means the following: a chronic syndrome of mature horses with reversible airway obstruction in the stable showing periods of labored breathing at rest during exacerbation.

The term “Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary disease (SPAOPD)” in horses means the following: a chronic syndrome, which shares many clinical and pathological similarities with RAO at rest on the pasture, suggesting similar pathogenesis, however, it is caused by different antigens.

The term “inflammatory airway disease (IAD)” in horses means the following: a chronic syndrome of horses showing poor performance or coughing or excess tracheal mucus without showing periods of labored breathing at rest.

The term “effective amount” as used herein means an amount sufficient to achieve a reduction of airway disease in a horse when ciclesonide is administered at a dosage as described herein. The progress of the therapy (improvement of airway disease, particularly pulmonary disease, preferably recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and/or Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) and/or inflammatory airway disease (IAD), most preferably RAO as described herein) can be monitored by standard airway/pulmonary diagnosis, for example, by clinical examination, airway fluid cytology, endoscopy, lung function measurement, or blood-gas analysis.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof” means but is not limited to pharmaceutically acceptable salts, derivatives, metabolites or pro-drugs of a drug. Derivatives as used herein include but are not limited to, any hydrate forms, solvates, isomers, enantiomers, racemates, racemic conglomerate and the like of the compound of choice. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art and may be formed with an inorganic or organic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, palmitic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, benzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid and toluenesulfonic acid.

Dosage

The dosage regimen for the treatment of a horse using ciclesonide or a composition comprising ciclesonide (as an active compound) according to the present invention will, of course, vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration; the species, age, sex, health, medical condition, and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency of treatment; the route of administration, the renal and hepatic function of the patient, and the effect desired.

A physician or veterinarian can determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to prevent, counter, or arrest the progress of the disorder.

In the context of the present invention the term “dose” means the delivered dose “ex inhaler”. Ex inhaler comprises for example a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) or an aqueous/ethanolic droplet inhaler. A specific form of an aqueous/ethanolic droplet inhaler is for example the RESPIMAT® inhaler or another inhalation device using the RESPIMAT® technology. The concentration of ciclesonide contained in the solution in the inhalation device ranges preferably from 0.7 to 3.1% m/V.

The systemic dose is determined by measuring the blood levels of the prodrug (ciclesonide) and the activated metabolite (desisobutyryl-ciclesonide) in case systemic exposure is relevant in the horse. A high systemic dose results in higher side effects for example reduction of cortisol serum levels.

In addition, radioisotope labeled ciclesonide (e.g. ^(99m)Tc) can be used to examine the distribution of ciclesonide and its metabolites in the body, especially in the upper and lower airway tract. Based on the currently available scientific data, the dose of ciclesonide, when used for the indicated effects, will range between 200 and 5000 μg/horse (ex inhaler), preferably 400 to 4000 μg/horse (ex inhaler), even more preferred between 1000 and 3500 μg/horse (ex inhaler), most preferred between 1500 and 3100 μg/horse (ex inhaler). Those doses should be administered once, twice or three times per day, preferably once or twice daily. In a specific embodiment of the present invention those doses should be administered once a day. In another specific embodiment of the present invention those doses should be administered as a combination of twice per day up to 14 days followed by once per day up to 14 days, preferably as a combination of twice per day up to 7 days followed by once per day up to 7 days.

In another specific embodiment of the present invention the dosage (such as the doses outlined above) can be split into or reduced to anywhere in between one dose once in two days up to one dose once in a week. The treatment is advisable in clinically apparent cases, both in acute as well as in chronic settings.

Administration

Suitable forms for “administration” are for example inhalation, parenteral or oral administration.

In the specific administration via the RESPIMAT® inhaler the content of the pharmaceutically effective ciclesonide should be in the range from 0.1 to 5% m/V, preferably 0.7 to 3.1% m/V or 1.0 to 3.1% m/V of the total composition, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dose range specified hereinafter.

When administered by inhalation ciclesonide may be given as an ethanolic solution or a solution containing a mixture of water and ethanol. Preferably, therefore, pharmaceutical formulations are characterized in that they comprise ciclesonide according to the preferred aspects above.

It is particularly preferred that ciclesonide is administered via inhalation/ex inhaler, preferably it is administered once or twice a day. Suitable formulations may be obtained, for example, by mixing ciclesonide with known excipients, for example water, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents such as mono- or polyfunctional alcohols (e.g. ethanol or glycerol), or refrigerants such as hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA), specifically HFA 227 and HFA 134a. For a liquid formulation, additional excipients for example hydrochloric acid or citric acid to adjust the [H⁺] concentration may be added.

It is especially preferred that ciclesonide is administered by/via an aqueous/ethanolic droplet inhaler, for example the RESPIMAT® inhaler or another inhalation device using the RESPIMAT® aerosol-generating technology. Preferably ciclesonide is administered once or twice a day. For this purpose, ciclesonide has to be made available in a liquid solution which is suitable for the inhaler.

Most preferably the solvent in the liquid formulation (inhalation solution) comprises a mixture of ≧85% V/V ethanol and ≦15% V/V water, such as 90% V/V ethanol and 10% V/V water.

In a specific embodiment the formulation of ciclesonide is as follows:

TABLE 1 Ingredient Content Ciclesonide 0.7-3.1 g/100 mL Hydrochloric acid ad [H⁺] = 10^(−3.5) to 10⁻⁵ mol/L 90% V/V ethanol/water ad 100 mL where the concentration of hydrogen ions [H⁺] can be measured, for example, by potentiometric titration.

A further aspect of the present invention is the application of the liquid formulation (inhalation solution) using the RESPIMAT® inhaler. This inhaler is disclosed for example in WO 97/12687, which is hereby incorporated therein. This inhaler can advantageously be used to produce the inhalable aerosols according to the invention. The dose of active substance delivered ex RESPIMAT® inhaler can be calculated from:

-   -   the concentration of active substance in the liquid formulation         [μg/μL],     -   the “delivered volume”, defined as the volume of liquid expelled         from the RESPIMAT® inhaler per actuation [μL]. The delivered         volume ex RESPIMAT® inhaler has been found to be approximately         11 μL per actuation, according to the following formula:

Dose[μg]=Concentration[μg/μL]·Delivered Volume[μL]

In a further aspect of the present invention the composition is administered via an (equine) inhaler device. The (equine) inhaler device preferably comprises/consists of the RESPIMAT® inhaler, which may be modified, and other parts to adapt the inhaler to equine use. In a preferred aspect the composition is a partially ethanolic formulation and is administered via an (equine) inhaler device. The dose emitted via the (equine) inhaler device is slightly lower than the dose ex RESPIMAT® inhaler.

EXAMPLES

The following examples serve to further illustrate the present invention; but the same should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Example 1

Budesonide is investigated in a cross-over, blinded moldy hay challenge study. 8 RAO horses are examined in the study, which is divided into an acclimation and a treatment phase. Placebo for budesonide is administered a few times per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device to all horses in the acclimation period. Budesonide and dexamethasone is administered to the horses in a cross-over design in the treatment phase. The horses are challenged by exposure to moldy hay throughout the acclimation and treatment periods. Budesonide is administered with the doses of 450 μg (2 actuations)/900 μg (4 actuations)/1800 (8 actuations) μg/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) twice daily for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. Nozzle A and a RESPIMAT® not available commercially is used in the study. Nozzle A is the nozzle used with the commercially available RESPIMAT®. Dexamethasone is administered with a dose of 0.066 mg/kg per os, once daily for 14 days. Lung function variables (change in transpulmonary pressure, lung resistance and lung elastance), clinical score and blood parameters are examined during the study. The data is statistically analyzed using double repeated-measures ANOVA.

All lung function variables are significantly reduced in the highest dose budesonide (1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and dexamethasone groups after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p≦0.0001) (see FIG. 1). There is no significant difference in the lung function variables between the highest dose budesonide (1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and dexamethasone groups after 7 or 14 days treatment. The clinical score is significantly reduced after 7 and 14 days treatment in all three budesonide and the dexamethasone treatment groups compared to pretreatment values (p=0.002 to p<0.0001) (see FIG. 2). There is no significant difference in the clinical score between the highest and middle dose group of budesonide (900 and 1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and the dexamethasone group after 7 and 14 days treatment. The cortisol levels in serum are significantly reduced in the highest and middle dose budesonide (900 and 1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and dexamethasone groups after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p<0.0001) (see FIG. 3). There is no significant difference in the cortisol blood levels between the highest and middle dose group of budesonide (900 and 1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and the dexamethasone group after 14 days treatment.

Example 2 1^(st) Ciclesonide Study

Ciclesonide is investigated in a cross-over, blinded moldy hay challenge study. 8 RAO horses are examined in the study, which is divided into an acclimation and a treatment phase. Placebo for ciclesonide is administered twice daily per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device to all horses for 1 week in the acclimation period. Ciclesonide and dexamethasone are administered to the horses in a cross-over design in the treatment phase. The horses are challenged by exposure to moldy hay throughout the acclimation and treatment periods. Ciclesonide is administered with the doses of 450 μg (2 actuations)/900 μg (4 actuations)/1800 μg (8 actuations)/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) twice daily for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. Nozzle A and a commercially available RESPIMAT® is used in the study. Dexamethasone is administered with a dose of 0.066 mg/kg per os, once daily for 14 days. Lung function variables (change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), lung resistance (RL) and lung elastance (EL)), breathing effort score and blood parameters are examined during the study. The data is statistically analyzed using double repeated-measures ANOVA.

All lung function variables are significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p<0.0001) (see FIG. 4). Only the highest dose ciclesonide group (1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) shows a statistically significant reduction in ΔPL and EL after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p=0.0005 and p=0.0004). There is no significant difference in ΔPL and EL between the highest dose ciclesonide (1800 μg/horse ex RESPIMAT®) and dexamethasone groups after 14 days treatment. The breathing effort score shows no significant changes in any of the treatment groups in any of the measured time points.

The serum cortisol levels are significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group compared to pretreatment values on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 17 following treatment initiation (p<0.0001) (see FIG. 5). There is no significant reduction in the serum cortisol levels in any of the ciclesonide treatment groups at any measured time points. The serum cortisol levels in the dexamethasone group are significantly reduced in comparison to any of the ciclesonide treatment groups on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 17 following treatment initiation (p<0.0001). The segmented neutrophil count is increased and the lymphocytes count is decreased after the administration of dexamethasone (see example 4, Table 2). There is no change in the counts of lymphocytes and no or minor increase in the counts of segmented neutrophils after the administration of ciclesonide.

Example 3 2^(nd) Ciclesonide Study

Ciclesonide is investigated in a cross-over, blinded moldy hay challenge study. 8 RAO horses are examined in the study, which is divided into an acclimation and a treatment phase. Placebo for ciclesonide is administered twice daily per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device to all horses for 1 week in the acclimation period. Ciclesonide and dexamethasone are administered to the horses in a cross-over design in the treatment phase. The horses are challenged by exposure to moldy hay throughout the acclimation and treatment periods. Ciclesonide is administered with the doses of 1687.5 μg (5 actuations, nozzle B)/2700 μg (8 actuations, nozzle A)/2700 μg (8 actuations, nozzle B)/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) twice daily for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. The commercially available RESPIMAT® is used in the study. Nozzle A is the nozzle used with the commercially available RESPIMAT® inhaler. Nozzle B is a different nozzle resulting in a reduced spray time. Dexamethasone is administered with a dose of 0.066 mg/kg per os, once daily for 14 days. Lung function variables (change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), lung resistance (RL) and lung elastance (EL)), weighted clinical score and blood parameters are examined during the study. The data are statistically analyzed using double repeated-measures ANOVA.

All lung function variables are significantly reduced in all ciclesonide and dexamethasone groups after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p=0.0009 to p<0.0001) (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). There is no significant difference in the lung function variables between all ciclesonide and dexamethasone groups after 7 or 14 days treatment. The weighted clinical score is significantly reduced after 14 days treatment in all three ciclesonide and the dexamethasone treatment groups compared to pretreatment values (p=0.0001 to p<0.0001) (see FIG. 7). There is no significant difference in the weighted clinical score between the ciclesonide treatment groups and the dexamethasone group after 14 days treatment. The serum cortisol levels are significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 17 following treatment initiation (p<0.0001) (see FIG. 8). There is no significant reduction in the serum cortisol levels in any of the ciclesonide treatment groups at any measured time points. The serum cortisol levels in the dexamethasone group are significantly reduced in comparison to any of the ciclesonide treatment groups on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 17 following treatment initiation (p<0.0001). The segmented neutrophil count is increased and the lymphocytes count is decreased after the administration of dexamethasone (see example 4, Table 2). There is no change in the counts of lymphocytes and no or minor increase in the counts of segmented neutrophils after the administration of ciclesonide.

Example 4

The segmented neutrophil counts and the lymphocyte counts are determined in the studies above: ciclesonide treatment versus dexamethasone treatment. For experimental setup and description of the conduction of the studies see examples 2 and 3.

TABLE 2 Concentration of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes on day (D): D 0, D 14 and D 21 in the treatment groups of dexamethasone and different doses of ciclesonide (n = 8) (mean +/− SEM) Segmented neutrophils Lymphocytes (×10⁹/L) (×10⁹/L) D 0 D 14 D 21 D 0 D 14 D 21 Dexamethasone 4.77 6.16 4.27 2.10 1.71 1.76 (1st ciclesonide (1.34) (1.28) (1.23) (0.70) (0.52) (0.43) study) Dexamethsaone 4.82 6.23 4.82 2.14 1.73 1.73 (2nd cicleso- (1.51) (1.45) (1.04) (0.62) (0.62) (0.34) nide study) 450 μg cicleso- 4.66 4.98 5.48 1.96 1.97 2.17 nide (1.32) (1.75) (1.51) (0.36) (0.36) (0.50) 900 μg cicleso- 5.24 4.43 4.91 1.85 2.03 1.94 nide (1.10) (1.06) (2.48) (0.28) (0.49) (0.34) 1800 μg 4.60 5.41 4.93 1.95 1.96 2.06 ciclesonide (1.33) (1.68) (1.10) (0.48) (0.64) (0.57) 1687.5 μg 4.51 5.22 4.55 1.93 1.94 2.04 ciclesonide (1.61) (2.54) (1.80) (0.48) (0.33) (0.41) 2700 μg 4.91 4.85 4.41 2.04 2.14 2.01 ciclesonide A (1.45) (1.10) (1.75) (0.57) (0.41) (0.43) 2700 μg 4.23 4.75 4.84 1.80 1.74 2.01 ciclesonide B (1.17) (2.02) (1.55) (0.45) (0.36) (0.57) (second ciclesonide study)

Neutrophilia and lymphopenia is observed after the state of the art treatment with dexamethasone (see Table 2). In contrast, no alteration is observed in the immune system of horses measured by neutrophilia and lymphopenia after treatment for two weeks with different dose levels of ciclesonide (see Table 2).

Example 5

The concentration of ciclesonide and C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide is determined in plasma samples in the above mentioned 2^(nd) ciclesonide study: ciclesonide treatment versus dexamethasone treatment. For experimental setup and description of the conduction of the study see example 3. The plasma level of ciclesonide and C21-C21-desisobutyryl-ciclesonide are determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples are collected prior to and 10, 30 min, 1, 2 and 4 h following ciclesonide administration on day 1 and 11 of the treatment phase with ciclesonide.

TABLE 3 Concentration of ciclesonide and C21 -C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide in equine plasma after administration of ciclesonide (n = 8) (mean) Dose of ciclesonide (μg)/Nozzle 0 min 10 min 30 min 1 h 2 h 4 h Ciclesonide concentration on day 1 (nmol/L) 1687.5 B <0.500 0.87 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 2700 A <0.500 1.19 0.51 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 2700 B <0.500 1.16 0.72 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 Ciclesonide concentration on day 11 (nmol/L) 1687.5 B <0.500 0.97 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 2700 A <0.500 1.02 0.63 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 2700 B <0.500 1.38 0.63 <0.500 <0.500 <0.500 C21 -C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide concentration on day 1 (nmol/L) 1687.5 B <0.250 0 0.38 0.34 0.38 <0.250 2700 A <0.250 0.35 0.45 0.47 0.3 <0.250 2700 B <0.250 0.28 0.59 0.48 0.34 <0.250 C21 -C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide concentration on day 11 (nmol/L) 1687.5 B <0.250 0.3 0.37 0.39 0.3 <0.250 2700 A <0.250 0.4 0.57 0.44 0.34 <0.250 2700 B <0.250 0.36 0.51 0.43 0.35 <0.250

The concentration of ciclesonide is below the lower limit of quantification (0.5 nmol/L) in the plasma samples taken 1 h after drug administration. The concentration of C21-C21-desisobutyrylciclesonide is below the lower limit of quantification (0.25 nmol/L) in the plasma samples taken at 4 h after the administration of ciclesonide.

Example 6 3^(rd) Ciclesonide Study

Ciclesonide is investigated in a cross-over, blinded moldy hay challenge study examining 7 RAO horses. Ciclesonide and placebo for ciclesonide are administered to the horses in a cross-over design. The horses are challenged by exposure to moldy hay throughout the whole study. Ciclesonide is administered with the doses of 2700 μg, twice daily (8 actuations twice daily)/3712.5 μg, once daily in the morning (11 actuations once daily in the morning)/3712.5 μg, once daily in the evening (11 actuations once daily in the evening)/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. Placebo for ciclesonide is administered with a dose of 0.0 μg ciclesonide/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) twice daily for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. The commercially available RESPIMAT® with nozzle B is used in the study (please see example 3 for description of nozzle B). Lung function variables (change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), lung resistance (RL) and lung elastance (EL)), weighted clinical score and blood parameters are examined during the study. The data are statistically analyzed using double repeated-measures ANOVA.

The lung function variables are significantly reduced in the ciclesonide treatment groups after 14 days treatment compared to the pretreatment values and compared to the placebo group as well. ΔPL and RL are significantly reduced in the 2700 μg (twice daily) ciclesonide group and RL is significantly reduced in the 3712.5 μg (once daily in the evening) ciclesonide group after 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (2700 μg: p<0.0001 for ΔPL and RL, 3712.5 μg: p=0.0001) (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). The reduction of ΔPL and RL is statistically significant in the 2700 μg ciclesonide group after 7 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (p<0.0001). There is a significant difference in the lung function variables between all ciclesonide and placebo groups after 14 days treatment (ΔPL: 2700 μg and 3712.5 μg in the evening: p<0.0001, 3712.5 μg in the morning: p=0.0005, RL: 2700 μg and 3712.5 μg in the evening: p<0.0001, 3712.5 μg in the morning: p=0.0003). The change in ΔPL is significantly reduced in the 2700 μg twice daily (p<0.0001) and the 3712.5 μg once daily in the evening (p=0.001) ciclesonide groups after 7 days treatment compared to pretreatment values The reduction of RL is statistically significant after 7 days treatment compared to the pretreatment values in the 2700 μg ciclesonide treatment group (p=0.0002). There is no significant reduction in the lung function variables of the placebo group after 14 days treatment compared to the pretreatment values.

The weighted clinical score is significantly reduced in the 2700 μg (twice daily) ciclesonide group after 7 and 14 days treatment compared to pretreatment values (7 days: p=0.0001, 14 days: p=0.0003) (see FIG. 10). There is significant difference in the weighted clinical score between the ciclesonide treatment groups and the placebo group after 14 days treatment (2700 μg and 3712.5 μg in the evening: p=0.0002, 3712.5 μg in the morning: p=0.0006). There is no significant reduction in the serum cortisol levels in any of the ciclesonide treatment groups and in the placebo group at any measured time points (see FIG. 11). There is no change in the counts of lymphocytes and no or minor increase in the counts of segmented neutrophils after the administration of ciclesonide and placebo (see table 4).

TABLE 4 Concentration of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes on day (D): D 0, D 14 and D 21 in the treatment groups of placebo and different doses of ciclesonide (n = 7) (mean +/− SEM) Segmented neutrophils Lymphocytes (×10⁹/L) (×10⁹/L) D 0 D 14 D 21 D 0 D 14 D 21 Placebo 4.12 4.27 3.86 2.33 2.29 2.50 (0.98) (1.28) (1.10) (0.48) (0.25) (0.33) 2700 μg 3.97 4.57 3.47 2.55 2.54 2.49 ciclesonide (0.79) (1.40) (0.85) (0.58) (0.57) (0.55) (3rd cicleso- nide study) 3712.5 μg 4.37 4.45 3.75 2.21 2.48 2.66 (morning) (0.96) (1.02) (1.15) (0.30) (0.48) (0.48) 3712.5 μg 3.73 4.37 3.41 2.55 2.43 2.48 ciclesonide (1.23) (1.21) (0.70) (0.37) (0.34) (0.35) (evening)

Example 7 4^(th) Ciclesonide Study

Ciclesonide is investigated in a baseline controlled, blinded study examining one (1) IAD horse. Ciclesonide is administered with the dose of 2700 μg, twice daily (8 actuations twice daily)/horse (ex-RESPIMAT®) for 14 days per inhalation via the Equine Inhaler device. The commercially available RESPIMAT® with nozzle B is used in the study (please see example 3 for description of nozzle B). Lung function variables using the impulse oscillometry system (respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) are examined during the study.

The mean respiratory resistance of three measurements is decreased after the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide for 14 days to one IAD horse at frequencies between 0.2 to 20 Hz compared to the pretreatment values (see FIG. 12). The mean respiratory reactance of three measurements is decreased after the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide for 14 days to one IAD horse at frequencies between 5 to 10 Hz compared to the pretreatment values (see FIG. 13). In contrast to the pretreatment values (DO) the mean respiratory resistance of three measurements in inspiration and expiration are not different after the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide for 14 days at frequencies between 0.2 to 2 Hz (see FIG. 14). In contrast to the pretreatment values (DO) the mean respiratory reactance of three measurements in inspiration and expiration are not different after the administration of 2700 μg ciclesonide for 14 days at frequencies between 0.2 to 2 Hz (see FIG. 15).

REFERENCES

-   Kutasi O., Balogh N., Lajos Z., Nagy K., Szenci O.: Diagnostic     approaches for the assessment of equine chronic pulmonary     disorders. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. (2011) 31: 400-410 -   Coutil L. L, Hoffman A. M., Hodgson J., Buechner-Maxwell V., Viel     L., Wood J. L. N. and Lavoie J.-P.: Inflammatory airway disease of     horses. J. Vet. Intern. Med. (2007) 21: 356-361 -   Dauvillier J., Felippe M. J. B., Lunn D. P., Lavoie-Lamoureux A.,     Leclere M., Beauchamp G., Lavoie J.-P.: Effect of long-term     fluticasone treatment on immune function in horses with heaves. J.     Vet. Intern. Med. (2011) 25: 549-557 -   Grahnén A., Jansson B., Brundin R. M., Ling-Andersson A., Lönnebo     A., Johansson M. and Eckernas S.-A.: A dose-response study comparing     supression of plasma cortisol influenced by fluticasone propionate     from Diskhaler and budesonide from Turbohaler. Eur. J. Clin.     Pharm. (1997) 52: 261-267 -   Robinson N. E., Berney C., Behan A and Derksen F. J.: Fluticasone     propionate aerosol is more effective for prevention than treatment     of recurrent airway obstruction. J. Vet. Intern. Med. (2009) 23 (6):     1247-1253 

1. (canceled)
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 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A method of treating an airway disease in equines comprising administering an effective amount of Ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising ciclesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the airway disease is a pulmonary disease.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the airway disease is selected from the group consisting of: recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD), and inflammatory airway disease (IAD).
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the airway disease is RAO.
 20. The method claim 16, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is inhalable.
 21. A method according to claim 16, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in a liquid formulation.
 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein said liquid formulation comprises one or more of the solvents water, ethanol, hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrofluoroolefin or excipients.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said hydrofluoroalkanes are HFA 227, HFA 134a, and combinations thereof.
 24. A method according to claim 22, wherein said hydrofluoroolefin is HFO1234ze.
 25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the solvent in said liquid formulation is partially aqueous and partially ethanol.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the solvent in said liquid formulation comprises of a mixture of ≧85% V/V ethanol and ≦15% V/V water.
 27. A method according to claim 25, wherein the solvent in said liquid formulation comprises 10% V/V water and 90% V/V ethanol.
 28. A method according to claim 21, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered via an inhaler device.
 29. The method according to claim 28, whereby said inhaler device comprises: a. a pressurized metered dose inhaler or a aqueous/ethanolic droplet inhaler such as the RESPIMAT® inhaler or another inhalation device using the RESPIMAT® aerosol-generating technology and b. an adapter for equine use.
 30. A method according to claim 21, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a partially ethanolic formulation and is administered via an inhaler device.
 31. A method according to claim 30, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a dose of at least 900 μg ex inhaler, at least 1800 μg ex inhaler, or at least 2700 μg ex inhaler, preferably at least 2700 μg ex inhaler.
 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein said ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or said composition comprising ciclesonide or said pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a dose of 100 μg to 5000 μg ex inhaler. 